Apollo 17: Humanity's Final Footprints on the Moon

On December 7th in science history, one significant event took place in 1972 when NASA launched the Apollo 17 mission, which would be the last manned mission to the Moon of the 20th century.

Apollo 17 was a 12-day mission that aimed to explore the Taurus-Littrow valley on the lunar surface, a site chosen for its unique geological features. The mission was crewed by Commander Eugene Cernan, Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans.

What made Apollo 17 particularly special was the fact that Harrison Schmitt was a professional geologist, making him the first scientist-astronaut to land on the Moon. His expertise proved invaluable during the mission's three moonwalks, where he and Cernan collected a record-breaking 110 kilograms (243 pounds) of lunar samples, including a deep-drill core sample that provided insights into the Moon's geological history.

During their time on the lunar surface, the astronauts conducted numerous scientific experiments, including the use of a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) to explore the surrounding area. The LRV allowed them to cover a greater distance than any previous Apollo mission, ultimately traveling a total of 35.9 kilometers (22.3 miles) across the Moon's surface.

One of the most iconic moments of the Apollo 17 mission occurred when Cernan and Schmitt unveiled a plaque on the lunar module that read, "Here Man completed his first explorations of the Moon, December 1972, AD. May the spirit of peace in which we came be reflected in the lives of all mankind." This plaque served as a reminder of the monumental achievements of the Apollo program and the spirit of exploration that drove humanity to reach for the stars.

As the mission drew to a close, Cernan became the last person to walk on the Moon, a distinction he held until his passing in 2017. His final words on the lunar surface were, "We leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return: with peace and hope for all mankind."

Apollo 17 marked the end of an era for NASA's lunar exploration efforts, but it also represented a significant milestone in our understanding of the Moon and its geological history. The mission's success demonstrated the value of having a scientist-astronaut on board and paved the way for future space missions that would prioritize scientific research and discovery.


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